In a recent report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Qatar has solidified its position as a global leader in information and communication technology (ICT) development. The “Measuring digital development: The ICT Development Index 2023 (IDI)” report, assessing progress in 169 countries, revealed Qatar’s outstanding performance in key indicators, placing it third worldwide.
The IDI, introduced by ITU in 2009 and serving as a crucial tool for policymakers, has resumed publication after a six-year hiatus, employing a new methodology developed through an inclusive and iterative process.
Qatar’s ICT Development Index of 98.7 percent places it just behind the UAE (100 percent) and the United States (99.1 percent). The assessment includes indicators such as internet usage (99.7 percent of the population in Qatar), households with internet access (95 percent), and mobile network coverage (100 percent for 3G and 99.8 percent for 4G/LTE). Mobile phone ownership in Qatar stands at an impressive 99.6 percent.
The report emphasises the significance of digital connectivity for inclusive and sustainable development, praising Qatar’s robust digital infrastructure. Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, stressed the importance of prioritising digital connectivity to ensure universal and meaningful connectivity.
Globally, the report highlighted that 5.4 billion people, equivalent to 67 percent of the world’s population, used the internet in the assessed year. Disparities were noted, with higher internet usage in regions like Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Americas compared to lower usage in Africa.
Additionally, the report underscored the prevalence of mobile phone ownership globally, with 78 percent of individuals aged 10 and above owning a mobile phone in 2023—surpassing the percentage of internet users (67 percent) in the same demographic.
While the report paints an optimistic picture of global digital development, it also draws attention to ongoing disparities, particularly in 5G network coverage and internet traffic, underscoring the digital divide between high- and low-income countries.
Qatar’s achievement in the ICT Development Index reflects its commitment to digital progress, providing valuable insights into global digital trends and highlighting the need for continued efforts to bridge the digital divide.
Source: https://www.edgemiddleeast.com/business/qatar-ranks-third-globally-in-ict-development
